Dr. Vignesh Packiam

Dr. Vignesh Packiam, a urologic oncologist, loves his work at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJ Barnabas Health. Dr. Packiam grew up in Connecticut, studied Biology and Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Packiam completed a six-year urology residency at the University of Chicago, where he spent a dedicated year in research and trained with some of the nation’s highest-volume bladder cancer surgeons. He then pursued a two-year fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the Mayo Clinic, where he also earned a Postdoctoral Research Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science and continued to collaborate with leading experts in urologic cancers. Before joining Rutgers, Dr. Packiam built a busy clinical practice and research program at the University of Iowa, performing more than 100 bladder removals (cystectomies) each year and gaining extensive experience with advanced intravesical therapies such as gemcitabine and docetaxel (Gem/Doce), for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Today, he serves as Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Dr. Packiam's focus is bladder cancer. It is a disease that can be aggressive and impacts quality of life - it is deeply rewarding to help patients through these challenges. He strongly supports patient advocacy groups such as the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and has always emphasized a patient-centered approach. He believes that real progress comes when physicians drive innovation, which is why much of his research has centered on developing and implementing several new treatments for bladder cancer. Dr. Packiam has received funding from the American Cancer Society to improve the safety and effectiveness of therapies for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. His research also explores biomarkers and precision medicine—finding ways to match each patient with the treatment most likely to help them. In addition, he leads studies on quality of life and novel therapeutics, with the goal of restoring patients’ bladder function and well-being after treatment.

Beyond bladder cancer, he treats all urologic cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer. Dr. Packiam has expertise in bladder tumor resection (TURBT) with blue light, and complex open and robotic surgery. He believes outcomes are best when patients are cared for by experienced hands, and is grateful to his world-class mentors for instilling this commitment in him. He makes it a priority to spend time with patients, explaining every option so they feel empowered to make the best decision for their care. Dr. Packiam is active in many national cancer societies, serves as a top reviewer for leading urology journals, and is frequently invited to speak nationally and internationally about improving outcomes in bladder cancer. He has co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.